An e-mail chain obtained by CBS News California Investigates reveals that the Governor’s Chief of Staff wouldn’t negotiate to strengthen a Democratic package deal of crime payments until a coalition of crime victims, retailers, and regulation enforcement leaders would comply with postpone thier ballot measure till 2026.
At difficulty is the proposed Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. It’s meant to reform Prop. 47, which is the 2014 voter-approved regulation that diminished punishments for drug possession and thefts below $950.
The poll proposal has been billed as a Republican-led initiative, nevertheless it’s truly sponsored by a group of victims’ advocates, business and public safety leaders — together with former outstanding DAs.
Top donors for the poll measure, which has now certified for the poll, embody Walmart and Target.
In an effort to handle crime in California, with out going again to voters to amend Prop 47, Democratic management got here up with its personal set of payments that lawmakers can go, with out voter approval. The Governor created this legislative framework to handle property crime, in addition to a number of the limitations associated to the Prop 47, nevertheless it doesn’t go so far as the poll measure itself.
Democratic management has publicly agreed to barter with the initiative coalition to strengthen its package deal of payments.
However, primarily based on these emails – first obtained by CBS News California – it seems negotiations have stalled and the Governor’s Office would like Californians not vote on reforming Prop. 47 this 12 months.
In one e-mail, the Governor’s Chief of Staff Dana Williamson tells the coalition’s lead negotiator, Greg Totten, that management is prepared to barter on its package deal of crime payments, which might take impact instantly, clarifying “As far as an initiative, we’re open to one thing in 2026.”
Totten replies, “As I famous beforehand, our focus is on amending Proposition 47 on the 2024 poll.” including, “If the administration is ready to think about an modification of Proposition 47 on the 2024 poll, then we’re completely satisfied to satisfy.”
Williamson responds, “If that is your place then I agree, there’s nothing to speak about. She provides, “It’s actually wonderful how you might be incapable of taking a win. And the consultants you are working with have not gained something in a decade. Good luck.”
Above: An e-mail chain, obtained by CBS News California Investigates, reveals the governor’s Chief of Staff didn’t need to negotiate with the initiative coalition until they agreed to postpone their poll measure till 2026.
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Following the breakdown in negotiations, Democratic leaders added a so-called ‘poison tablet’ to their payments on Monday that may routinely repeal them if voters go the poll measure in November.
Several outstanding democrats broke ranks with management, pulling their payments from the package deal, or pulling their names off payments, in gentle of the choice to maneuver ahead with the repeal clause. It’s not clear now whether or not management may have the votes wanted to get the package deal handed.
Neither the Governor’s Office nor the coalition was accessible for an interview on Monday. However, they issued the next statements.
Greg Totten, CDAA / Californians for Safety and Justice:
“While I’m not prepared to touch upon negotiations concerning the poll measure, I can say that we have had one goal in pursuing this poll measure: to handle the unintended penalties of elements of Proposition 47, which have resulted in a surge in retail theft, fentanyl trafficking, and overdose deaths. Additionally, we intention to supply stronger incentives for getting exhausting drug customers into therapy. Unfortunately, state leaders are prioritizing politics over public security.”
Governor’s workplace:
“We often have interaction with a various vary of stakeholders from throughout the political spectrum. The California District Attorneys Association requested a gathering with our workplace however canceled. It seems their determination was primarily based on a place that doesn’t replicate the consensus of their broader coalition.
(This story was up to date so as to add a response from the Governor’s workplace.)
